Byron Hopps
Major:
Electrical Engineering (2018)
Hometown:
Winnetka, IL
Byron is a very versatile member of the team and a great leader. He was one of the first members of the team and has worked mainly on electrical systems and hardware for the vehicle. Byron specifically loves that almost everything on the car was designed and made by students, and the things that weren’t are continually being replaced by more efficient, student-made parts (only the motor controllers and radios are left). We will miss Byron after he graduates from the University of Illinois in August. In Byron’s eyes the team has done it all, from encapsulating our own solar modules to custom electronics work. “It’s been really rewarding seeing something that I’ve been a part of and care deeply about growing and succeeding. I’m really proud of what the team’s done and am glad I was able to help out where I could.” At ASC, Byron is excited to race competitively. He is moving to San Francisco after graduation to work for Apple on the MacBook Pro team. He’s also an avid backpacker.
“What we had three years ago was a few boards, some ideas and 3D printed models, and now we have a car that works and even a research paper.”